Linkin Park’s new lead singer is responding to fan backlash about her connection to actor Danny Masterson … apologizing for her association and saying she misjudged the guy.

Here’s the deal … LP announced Emily Armstrong — cofounder of the group Dead Sara — as their new lead singer, about seven years after beloved vocalist Chester Bennington‘s death.

Within hours of the announcement, fans started pointing out Emily attended a 2020 preliminary hearing in support of Masterson — who last year was convicted on two counts of forcible rape — especially upsetting to them since Chester talked openly about surviving sexual abuse.

EA didn’t name-drop Masterson, but she did release a statement that seems to reference the disgraced actor … saying years ago she was asked to support someone she considered a friend during a hearing.

Emily says, after attending the hearing, she realized she shouldn’t have … adding she always tries to see the good in people, but she misjudged this person.

She says she hasn’t spoken to him since … and notes she doesn’t condone violence against women and she empathizes with the victims of this person’s actions.

Again, no mention of Masterson by name … but, people are putting two and two together. That said, the statement’s not fully getting Armstrong out of hot water — ’cause fans are still side-eyeing her for her alleged association with Scientology.

She attended galas at the Church of Scientology with her former bandmate, Cedric Bixler-Zavala … whose wife, Chrissie Carnell Bixler, accused Masterson of abuse as well.